Surgical Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)

01 Aug 2023

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Some of the most visible signs of aging first appear on the face. Although the changes appear gradually, there may come a day when you look in the mirror and decide that the face you see doesn't reflect the way you feel about yourself. If you'd like to look as good as you feel, a facelift can help. Also known as rhytidectomy, a facelift smoothes the loose skin on your face and neck, tightens underlying tissues and removes excess fat. As a result, your face will appear firmer and fresher.

Facelifts are most commonly performed on patients in the 40-60 age range. However, the procedure can produce good results for people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s as well.

Right candidate

If anyone or more of the following problems are present :

  • Presence of a deep line that runs from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth
  • Loss of a well-defined jawline
  • Deep wrinkles in the cheeks and sagging skin near the cheekbones
  • Loose skin, wrinkles, or excess fatty tissue in the neck.

Type of anesthesia - preferably done in general anesthesia.

Procedure

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering a facelift. During this meeting, we will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery.

Detailed history of

  • Previous surgeries
  • Past and present medical conditions
  • The treatment you have received
  • Medications, nutritional supplements or herbal remedies that you are taking

During a physical assessment of your bone structure and underlying tissues of the face, thickness, texture, and elasticity of your skin and the severity of the wrinkles and folds are done, along with an evaluation of hairline to determine the incisions lines. All of these factors are considered in developing a surgical plan. A facelift is frequently combined with “a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, neck lift, chemical peels and /or lasers as per the requirement to get the desired result.

The technique chosen for surgery depends on your features and the desired result to be achieved. The length of the incision varies according to the type of lift, from being typically hidden in the natural contour of your ear and then extending around earlobe to the back into the hairline. Following surgery, the incisions are easily concealed by your hair or with makeup. The incisions are so placed that the scars which are thin lines fall strategically into the natural skin folds so that they are not apparent after some time.

Working through these incisions, the facial skin is separated from its underlying tissues and pulled upward and back. The excess is then removed. The deeper tissues may also be repositioned to restore a more youthful contour to your face.

After your surgery

Postoperative care: An adult should stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery. Rest is absolutely necessary.

Restrict your activities the day of surgery and several days afterward. It is not unusual to require 7 to 10 days before you are feeling back to normal, and before you can resume physical activity.

If you experience severe pain and or swelling of one or both sides of the face, or if bleeding is heavy or prolonged call Doctor immediately.

Results

Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow this general timeline:

The first day : In this early stage of healing, you should rest with your head elevated to minimize bruising and swelling.

Within the first week: Stitches will be dissolved or removed

You may return to light activity, but continue to sleep with your head elevated.

You can wear makeup to conceal any discoloration.

Within two weeks : You may resume many of your normal activities, including non-strenuous work.

You may resume gradual exercise.

Before & After Surgical Face Lift